Animation is the process of rendering images in rapid succession to give the impression of continuous motion. In 3D animation, the images used are three-dimensional. They can be shown from all possible directions, they are made to comply with the laws of natural physics and therefore look extremely real to viewers.
Three-dimensional animation can include clay.
There are many different types of 3D animation. Some of the main ones are stop motion animation, claymation, computer generated imagery (CGI), and motion capture animation. These animations are made using hand-made or computer-generated puppets, objects, backgrounds, and special effects.
CGI is often used to create 3D animations.
In stop motion animation, the 3D characters and their backgrounds are designed by hand. First, the animator makes an armor or skeleton using metal, and then models the objects using clay, plastic, or rubber. Different materials such as wood, fabric, hair gel, toothpaste, and cotton can be used to create finer details.
Handmade objects are arranged in a scene and a photograph is taken. The objects are then slightly moved and photographed again. After photographing the objects each time their position is changed, the animator uses the photo frames to create the 3D animation.
Claymation is a stop motion animation that uses clay models. The clay is worked on an aluminum wire frame and shaped with fingers and clay tools. To prevent the carved figures from warping during handling, a fast-setting clay is used. After drying, the figures are painted as needed.
The use of computers has revolutionized three-dimensional animation in many ways. Animators no longer need to draw, sculpt, or color everything by hand. By switching to digital media, the entire 3D animation process can be done faster, less complicated, and more cost-effectively.
So much so that CGI is also used in non-animated movies. Computer graphics create scenes that would otherwise be too expensive or difficult to produce. Some scenes would even be impossible to create without CGI.
In 3D computer generated animation, the animator builds virtual skeletons and models 3D figures on top of them. The digital models are then manipulated and can be manipulated as needed for animation. The animator must be careful to get all the physical movements and details right so that the 3D animation looks real.
Motion capture animation goes one step further and uses live action. Here, an actor is equipped with sensory devices that track the movement and positioning of the actor’s joints. Then the actor performs the movements instead of an already drawn character that will be animated.
Sensory devices record the resulting movements and transmit the video recording to a computer. The computer now uses these inputs to give the character movement. This brings motion capture animation closer to movements seen in real life.
Some well known animated movies are Shrek, Finding Nemo and Wall-E. 3D animated movies are leaning more and more towards realism. The next step is to use computer graphics to create a fully photorealistic 3D animated movie.
Computer generated images are a popular alternative to stop motion animation.
